Braver Angels Minnesota in the News

Workshopping Communication Within Polarization

Winonan, Oct. 1, 2025

Winonan reporter Desiree Noon covered the How Do We Find Community in Our Differences workshop, part of Braver Angels Day in Winona on Sept. 25. 

"Common consensus seems to be that people believe that their beliefs are moral ones, and that an opposition is immoral. Whether or not that’s true though isn’t going to make people come together or change their minds. That’s why the goal of Braver Angles isn’t for people to change the minds of others. Rather it is to demonstrate that people aren’t so different on a deeper level."

“Understand[ing] each other better and then look for common ground. The goal is not compromise,” is what co-founder of Braver Angels, Bill Doherty, had to say about the organization’s goals. 

We have a common goal of a 'more perfect Union'

Minnesota Star Tribune, Sept. 16, 2025
The presidents of the University of Northwestern and Macalester College ask: "Can we learn to debate in the open marketplace of ideas without demeanng and dstroying people, families, lives and livelihoods? Can we learn to be respectful toward people with whom we disagree?" 

They cite their initiative with Braver Angels to bring students from each school together every other week to share a meal, discuss tough issues, and build "meaningful and lasting relationships."

UW-Superior Hosts ‘Skills for Conversations about Public Policy and Race’ Workshop

Fox21 News, Superior, WI, Sept. 15, 2025
“Conversation skills is what we’re always about, so how to listen and then acknowledge before giving your own perspective, and then we will practice that, and there will be examples of public policy that you can take one side or the other and practice listening to someone with opposing views.” said John Wolforth, co-chair of the Northern Minnesota Alliance of Braver Angels on how these events typically evolve...Our leaders are not going to lead us into having these better conversations,” said Wolforth. “I think it’s time for us voters and just people who maybe you don’t even want to vote, but you want to be working towards a cleaner, safer Northland, and it’s going to take us working together, and then we can take that to our leaders and say, ‘This is what we want. This is what we want you to do. This is how we want to be interacting with each other.'”

Expert on civility in politics discusses moving forward after political violence: "We can survive this if we decide we've had enough."

WCCO News, Sept. 11, 2025
"In the aftermath of the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk that sent shock waves across the country, Bill Doherty is reflecting on how we got here as the country grapples with yet another act of political violence...We learned that when you create the right environment for people to listen to each other, express themselves in non-inflammatory ways, that people have more in common than they realize, and that they can lower the temperature and they can find common ground," Doherty said.

He said how we move forward starts with each of us condemning violent and extreme rhetoric when we see it, especially if it comes from individuals with whom you agree. 

"We survived the Civil War. We survived the 60s. We can survive this if we decide we've had enough," he said.  More...

Domestic politics taking on 'characteristics of war', former U of M professor says

Kare11 News, Sept. 10, 2025
"Charlie Kirk shooting prompts calls to address US political violence. Bill Doherty, co-founder of the nonpartisan nonprofit Braver Angels, drew historical parallels to an earlier era of political violence." (Interview with Bill Doherty begins at 1:32 into the KARE segment.) 

"Doherty said addressing the nation's deep divisions requires collective responsibility. 'We've all contributed to this and we have to together find a way out of this toxic division we have.'"

Doherty, Thiemann: Let's approach the gun argument differently this time

St. Paul Pioneer Press op-ed, Sept. 4, 2025
"In the aftermath of horrific events like last week’s school killings, communities follow a sadly predictable pattern. First comes shock, grief, and denunciation of the shooter. Then, blame begins to spread — sometimes toward institutions such as schools or first responders, sometimes toward the shooter’s family or group affiliation. Before long, the public conversation hardens into bitter conflict over gun laws. That’s where we’ve landed within a week as the governor considers a special session of the Legislature."...

..."In Minnesota, Braver Angels held a Common Ground workshop that brought together advocates for more restrictive gun laws and staunch defenders of Second Amendment rights. Using a structured process — ground rules, trained moderators, and a focus on three domains (values, concerns, and solutions/policies) that required unanimous support — the group surprised even themselves: They reached agreement on 28 items."

The political gap between men and women

Iowa Public Radio, August 28, 2025
“For decades, a political gap has been growing between men and women, with Generation Z having the largest political divide.

This week on Talk of Iowa, we will "Mind the Gender Gap" starting with this political divide. Charity Nebbe speaks with political scientist Karen Kedrowski, as well as computing expert Jeremy Blackburn about how radicalization online is contributing to this gap. Braver Angels founder Bill Doherty discusses how this divide is impacting our relationships."

Paul Wahl: Compromise is not a four-letter word

Rochester Post Bulletin, July 29, 2025
“There are dozens more examples of how lawmakers exacted victories, and in true compromise fashion, realized they were not going to get everything they wanted. But Minnesotans of all stripes were well-represented. And that’s what mattered…Today, both political parties consider anyone who doesn’t agree with them 100% of the time on every issue the enemy. Perhaps recent developments will help calm the storm. In announcing his bid for a second try at the governor’s seat, former Minnesota state Sen. Dr. Scott Jensen has hinted at a campaign closer to George W. Bush's "compassionate conservatism” than MAGAism.”

Braver Angels hosts Bemidji town hall to combat political polarization

Bemidji Pioneer, May 2, 2025
"Braver Angels, a nonpartisan organization, hosted a town hall in Bemidji on Thursday to share tactics that help combat political polarization within the bcommunity while supporting collaboration..." More

Braver Angels events in Willmar, MN, provide a pathways for tough conversations

West Central Tribune, May 2, 2025
The West Central Tribune published a report about events for elected officials, community leaders and the public.

Braver Angels spreads its 'building bridges' gospel across Greater Minnesota

MinnPost, May 1, 2025
MinnPost contributor Forrest Peterson attended several Braver Angels events in Willmar on April 28, and wrote a good overview of the tour to counties in western and northern Minnesota. He also provides information about Braver Angels, in general.

Al Travis interview with Braver Angels co-founder Bill Doherty

The Al Travis Show,  May 1, 2025
Radio broadcaster Al Travis produces a show for rural media markets in Greater Minnesota. Al interviewed Braver Angels co-founder Bill Doherty about the recent tour to Worthington, Willmar, Fergus Falls, Moorhead, Bemidji, and Brainerd. Al has interviewed Doherty previously, and enjoys the updates about Braver Angels and its activities. 

Braver Angels finish weekend in Worthington, continue on the road

The Globe, April 29, 2025

The Globe published Braver Angels finish weekend in Worthington, continue on the road , an interview with Rev. Jeff Thiemann, co-leader for the Reduce the Rancor campaign.

'Reduce the Rancor' campaign to make 2-day visit to Worthington

RadioWorks, April 23, 2025
Minnesota Braver Angels is hitting the road today to visit parts of western and northwestern Minnesota, including Worthington. 

"Reduce the Rancor" is a statewide campaign to reduce hostile polarization in public life. Championed by the state chairs of the two main political parties, the campaign is a partnership with Braver Angels and about 25 organizations of elected officials, interested citizens, colleges and universities, civic, religious and business leaders, and other nonprofits.

Americans Reconnect: Talking Across the Political Divide

Minnesota Public Radio, April 22, 2025
Americans Reconnect: Talking Across the Political Divide is a radio program focused on solutions to political polarization. The production team spent more than a year researching and reporting on how people can maintain relationships despite stark political differences, offering hope for a divided electorate that Americans can still come together.

A partnership with the national nonprofit organization Braver Angels is central to the reporting. The group uses family and marriage therapy techniques to help people bridge political divisions. The insights of Braver Angels co-founder Bill Doherty deeply inform the radio special and are woven throughout.

Reduce the rancor bus tour rolls May 2 in to Brainerd

Brainerd Dispatch April 21, 2025

On Friday, May 2 the Minnesota Braver Angels Reduce the Rancor team will facilitate four events, two for the public and two for elected officials and other community leaders. Braver Angels is a nation-wide organization evoted to bridging political and cultural divides. The events for the public are: 

• 2-4 p.m. at the Brainerd Public Library:  Open house on the theme Bridging Divides, Building Community

• 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. (Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with light refreshments):  Parenting in a Time of Polarization, an event for everyone interested in children - including grandparents! Central Lakes College Cafeteria

Registrations requested; Walk-ins welcome. For more information about the events, especially location for Parenting in a Time of Polarization, visit Braver Angels 2025 Tour, Brainerd.

Ex-NIH director and truck driver explore how to bridge divisions deepened by pandemic

PBS NewsHour  March 26, 2025
Journalist Judy Woodruff interviews Dr. Francis Collins and Minnesota truck driver and podcaster Wilk Wilkenson about how to listen to different perspectives to find common ground, the pandemic in particular.

University of Minnesota therapist offers advice for how to be our better selves

Minneapolis Star Tribune, March 26, 2025

Tolkkinen: Minnesota GOP senators should apologize for introducing the Trump derangement syndrome bill

Minneapolis Star Tribune  March 21, 2025
Interview with Braver Angels co-founder Bill Doherty in response to proposed bill to address growing concern about the current administration.

Being able to have conversations with people that think differently than me 

News and Events page of the University of Minnesota website - March 10, 2025
U of M interview with Braver Angels co-founder Bill Doherty about the background of the organization, and Minnesota Braver Angels coordinators Melinda Voss and Scott Schluter, who discuss their involvement and what they've learned. "The secret sauce is simply getting people together to talk—and especially to listen—without trying to change anyone’s convictions," says Doherty.

Prayer Across rural-urban divide: Open our hearts, open our brains

Minnesota Public Ractio - Dec. 10, 2024
Members of faith communities in St. Paul and central Minnesota met to discuss differences in their perspectives, including regional and political viewpoints. The gatherings were hosted in an environment that fostered the type of listening and sharing skills advocated by Braver Angels.

If politics are still dividing your staff, here's what to do

Restaurant Business - Nov. 8, 2024
Braver Angels co-founder Bill Doherty provided practical and relatable  tips for defusing post-election political strife between restaurant workers.

As emotions heighten post election, experts give advice on how to cope

KARE-11 TV - Nov. 7, 2024
"It's, how do we show up in gracious victory," said Braver Angels cofounder Bill Doherty. "And then how do we show up in defeat?"

Braver Angels can help us navigate our divided politics

The Timberjay (Serving northern St. Louis County, MN) - Nov. 2, 2024
Timely insights and advice from Ely Braver Angels Alliance co-chairs Johnnie Ferderber and Nick Wognum.

Grassroots organization, Braver Angels, aims to ease election tension, unite voters

CBS News, Sacramento CA - Nov. 6, 2024
A Braver Angels volunteer said, ""I think people are tired of the fighting and the name-calling and all that and would like to see us come together. I think people just don't know how...No matter what happened, half the country was going to be upset or sad or worried, and no matter what, we all still needed to work together and not divide into camps."

Can Americans discuss political disagreements respectfully? Yes, says this Minnesota pastor.

The Minnesota Star Tribune - Nov. 1, 2024
The Rev. Jerad Morey of the Minnesota Council of Churches specializes helping people politely navigate discussions of divisive issues. 

Rotary Club of Northfield: About Braver Angels and civil discourse

Northfield News - Updated Oct. 29, 2024
Northfield, MN
The Rotary Club of Northfield is leading the way in fostering civil discourse in these times of intense political division. One of the ways we are engaging on this is through our connection to the Braver Angels organization.

A Minnesota farmer and a college student walk a mile in each other's news 

MPR News - Oct. 22, 2024

A liberal farmer named Lauren and a conservative college student named Addie discuss their positive experience getting to know one another and realizing how much they had in common. This story was inspired by a Braver Angels member in California.

Minneapolis pastors promote depolarization as an act of faith

MPR News - Oct. 15, 2024

Two pastors present a faith-based approach to depolarization, "...teaching congregants how to listen better, how to bust through their media echo chambers and how to use their faith to empathize with people on the other side."

Are political disagreements stressing you out? Here are tips to bridge the divide

NPR - Oct. 15, 2024

The Braver Angels approach to navigating disagreements - and lowering stress.

Solving polarization: Event focuses on how to communicate in tense political environment

Mankato Free Press - Oct. 11, 2024
Mankato, MN

Subscriber access only

Talking Sense: How to connect with people you disagree with

MPR News, Oct. 3, 2024
St. Paul, MN

Angela Davis leads discussion with two experts on relationships and dialogue about how to navigate difficult conversations.

MPR and nonprofit Braver Angels want Minnesotans to 'disagree better'

The Current, Sept. 13, 2024
St. Paul, MN

This piece by Ruth Terry for The Current shines a light on Catharine Richert's role in the MPR/Braver Angels partnership that addresses the deep divisions people report during this contentious election season. Richert listens to folks on all sides of many many issues to learn how they found common ground. 

Don't like coarse political discourse? Do something.

Minnesota Star Tribune, Sept. 2, 2024
Minneapolis, MN

Opinion piece by Strib writer Jill Burcum, who concludes with a shout-out for Braver Angels eCourses.

How a Guatemalan immigrant and a 4th generation farmer see immigration issues in Worthington

The Globe, Aug 31, 2024
Worthington, MN

“As part MPR News’ Talking Sense reporting project, reporters and volunteers from Braver Angels, a nonprofit that helps people bridge political divides, invited long-time Worthington residents and relative newcomers from Latin America to share personal immigration stories as a way to talk about this fraught topic without getting angry.”

How one state's new 'Civility Caucus' aims to bridge partisan divides

GoodGoodGood, Aug. 19, 2024

"Bill Doherty — a professor of family social science at the University of Minnesota and co-founder of Braver Angels, a nonprofit dedicated to addressing partisan animosity in the U.S. — has given presentations to, and held workshops with, the Civility Caucus. He says that the establishment of such forums are valuable for creating a better political climate."

Building Civic Hope through Braver Angels

Fulcrum,  July 17, 2024

Harry C. Boyte, wrote "Last month’s Braver Angels convention in Kenosha, Wis., began with perhaps the largest debate watch party in the nation. Around 700 delegates observed the exchanges between Donald Trump and Joe Biden on a giant screen in the chapel of Carthage College on the shore of Lake Michigan. Equal numbers of Republicans wearing red lanyards and Democrats wearing blue ones, roughly 300 of each, with 170 independents and “others” identified by yellow and white, mingled together....“Civic renewal … requires citizen-led action on common problems. Such action usually begins at the local level and strengthens local cultures of citizenship, while enhancing democratic patriotism and love of country. Civic action builds civic muscle — our capacity to work together across our differences — and in so doing, creates hope. It returns citizens to the center of the democratic way of life.”...  To read the article online, visit Building Civic Hope through Braver Angels. 

Building Civic Hope through Braver Angels (PDF) 

Bill Doherty on WCCO-AM: Responding to the assassination attempt

News Talk WCCO AM, July 15, 2024
Minneapolis, Minn.

In response to the recent assassination attempt on former President Trump, Braver Angels co-founder Bill Doherty was interviewed on WCCO-AM's Adam and Jordana Show about the need to tone down our political rhetoric. Bill talked about political polarization and cited the Reduce the Rancor Campaign that Braver Angels launched in March as a resource for developing more civil conversations around politics.

Bill's remarks include these points - 

Yesterday was a devastating day for our nation. It’s on each of us to stop this dangerous cycle of mutual destruction. No matter where we land on the political spectrum, here’s what we must do as we head into the upcoming election:

1. The immediate priority is to not escalate an already precarious situation. Do not throw fuel on the fire through attacks and counterattacks over responsibility for the assassination attempt. We’ve gotten ourselves into a deep hole. The first thing we must do is stop digging.

2. We have to tone down the apocalyptic rhetoric that our democracy will not survive four years of President Trump or President Biden. When the survival of the American experiment is at stake, violence can seem justified and even heroic. We have to believe in ourselves that we can hold onto our democratic republic no matter who wins or loses an election.

3. We must use this time to soul-search what we’ve allowed to happen in our political culture, from the national to the local level, and in our families and friendships. Polarization is a “We the People” problem and not just a “those politicians” problem. We have a role to play.

For years, we’ve unleashed bitter contempt on our fellow Americans who think and voter differently and, as a result, have created a toxic cycle to which both sides contribute. Together, we can change the trajectory of this polarization. Now is the time. Our country depends on it.

To listen to the full interview, go to the Audacity recording of  News Talk WCCO AM's  Adam and Jordana Show; Click on See all chapters, then scroll to Part 12, 10:36-10:51 a.m. (The interview begins after a short weather report.)

To read the transcript: Bill Doherty on WCCO-AM: Responding to the assassination attempt (PDF)

In Ely, an experiment to improve political conversations has come with ups and downs

MPR News, July 2, 2024

A Braver Angel in Ely told MPR, "...Braver Angels has taught him that the language people use to discuss politics can be polarizing. So, he’s trying to check himself, especially in the opinion pieces he sends to the local paper.

“I have toned down my letters to the editor. I was pretty scathing,” he said. “In college, I learned a few things from one of my professors: She said, ‘You know, if you want to make your point, use telling facts.’ So that’s what I do. I use telling facts.” ... more

Finding Common Ground: Braver Angels holds political discussion on gun regulation Sunday

Northern News Now, June 9, 2024

Duluth, Minn.

Northern News Now  covered the local Braver Angels discussion about gun control. "While the topic of politics may come up in conversation at many bars or taprooms around our region, a gathering at Bent Paddle Brewing on June 9 aimed to make those types of interactions easier to maneuver...According to organizers, the purpose is to allow people on all sides of the political spectrum to speak their minds on an issue and calmly learn why people feel the way they do.

“We’ve noticed that it’s getting where people are having more and more trouble just having a conversation about politics, where it’s harder to find the middle. We like the term common ground,” said John Wolforth, Braver Angels Northern Minnesota Alliance co-chair.

According to organizers, there are some bigger gatherings planned for the fall, including workshops that will bring together Braver Angels and the University of Wisconsin.

Talking Sense: Skills for disagreeing respectfully across political divides

MPR News with Angela Davis, June 6, 2024
 

Have you ever had a conversation about politics that grew into a heated argument or maybe the opposite — froze into a chilly silence?  

Or maybe you just avoid talking with people who don’t share your opinions on issues you care deeply about.  

MPR News with Angela Davis shares a conversation that will help you communicate better in a politically polarized time.

On April 24, a group of college students and other community members gathered for a workshop at the Historic Chateau Theatre in Rochester organized by MPR News, the University of Minnesota Rochester and Braver Angels, a nonprofit organization that seeks to restore trust, respect and goodwill in American politics. 

Braver Angels Minnesota Newsletter

• May 28, 2024 (PDF)

One’s a Conservative, One’s a Liberal. Here’s Their Secret to Friendship

Inside Hook, a magazine aimed at men, April 24, 2024

Link: https://www.insidehook.com/mental-health/conservative-republican-liberal-democrat-friendship-secret

Inside Hook Features Editor Alex Lauer writes about his conversation with Bob Osburn Jr. and Bruce Pomerantz. 

KTTC -TV interview with Chris Schoenherr about Braver Angels and upcoming events

KTTC-TV, Rochester, April 23, 2024

Chris Schoenherr, Braver Angels ambassador, was interviewed on KTTC-TV about the April 24 workshop Skills for Disagreeing Better in Rochester.  Chris provides an overview of Braver Angels while promoting the workshop and the April 29 recap of the workshop. See Events for more information. 

Minnesota Council of Churches announces its endorsement of Reduce the Rancor campaign

April 4, 2024

Talking Sense: The roots of political polarization

Minnesota Public Radio News, April 4, 2024

MPR aired Talking Sense: The roots of political polarization, a report on its first Talking Sense event held Feb. 27 in Woodbury. 

Ed Marek and Jeff Thiemann on 950 AM Radio

950 AM, March 31, 2024

Ed Marek and Jeff Thiemann discussed  Braver Angels on 950 AM radio. Ed is a Braver Angels Ambassador and Minnesota Representative and Liaison in the Braver Network; Jeff Thiemann is on the Braver Angels State Steering Team Member and also serves as o-chair for the Reduce the Rancor, Minnesota campaign.  In this broadcast, they talk about the work, training, and events that Braver Angels is doing in Minnesota. To listen to the interview, visit Ed Marek and Jeff Thiemann on 950 AM Radio. 

Our View: Parties can back up bit talk on political civility

Duluth News Tribune, March 25, 2024

Our View: Parties can back up big talk on political civility (access to full editorial requires signing up for free account)

Campaign calls on Minnesotans to ‘reduce the rancor’ in 2024

Republican Eagle, March 17, 2024
Cannon Falls, Minn. -- A statewide campaign kicked off Monday that calls on Minnesotans across the political spectrum to reduce polarization during the 2024 election.

Called “Reduce the Rancor, Minnesota,” the campaign is sponsored by the nonprofit Braver Angels and is supported by the chairs of Minnesota’s two major political parties. Elected officials, colleges and universities and religious and civic groups are also supporting the campaign.

The campaign asks organizations and Minnesotans to take at least one action to lower the temperature in their conversations about politics. 

Minnesota Republican Chair David Hann and DFL Chair Ken Martin joined the kick-off event at the University of St. Thomas Monday.

Hann said he is sometimes criticized by his party for talking with Democrats, but he doesn’t consider Democrats as “our enemy.” 

“There are a lot of things we disagree on – many things, a lot of things – but one thing I do believe is we have to find ways to work together to find some kind of common ground,” Hann said.

Martin said that it’s OK for people to disagree and people can disagree without being disagreeable. 

“People aren’t listening to each other anymore. People should not be afraid to share their opinions, but to open their ears and listen to others. You might actually learn something and find common ground,” Martin said. 

Bill Doherty, a co-founder of Braver Angels and a University of Minnesota professor, said that the campaign’s key message is that people can learn to “disagree better.” 

“This does not mean giving up cherished values or policy beliefs. It means learning to disagree with respect rather than rancor,” Doherty said.

Two state party chairs and 21 partners join with Braver Angels calling on Minnesotans to “reduce the rancor” in 2024

March 12, 2024
Braver Angels Minnesota news release

St. Paul, Minn. – A statewide campaign began Monday that calls on Minnesotans across the political spectrum – liberals, conservatives and independents – to help reduce hostile polarization during what promises to be a politically divisive 

election year.

Called “Reduce the Rancor, Minnesota,” the campaign is sponsored by the nonprofit Braver Angels and championed by the chairs of the state’s two major political parties and 21 organizations that include elected officials, colleges and universities, Minnesota Public Radio, professional associations, and religious and civic groups.

In a kick-off event held Monday at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, David Hann, chairman of the Minnesota Republican Party, and Ken Martin, chairman of the Democrat-Farmer-Labor (DFL) Party, addressed students, campaign partners and Braver Angels members...more

St. Thomas takes steps to 'Reduce the Rancor'

March 12, 2004
By Manuela Hill-Muñoz

In an effort to help foster civility and diminish political polarization, the University of St. Thomas co-hosted the kickoff event for the statewide initiative, Reduce the Rancor. The university, in collaboration with the nonprofit organization Braver Angels, seeks to elevate discourse and reshape perspectives on political differences without altering individuals’ views on the issues themselves.

The event, held at the Iversen Center for Faith on March 11, surpassed expectations with an impressive turnout, reflecting a collective yearning for positive change. The initiative aims to address the divisive culture that has permeated various aspects of society, from government and schools to churches and families...more

Reduce the Rancor 2024, WCCO-TV CBS Morning News

March 11, 2024
WCCO-TV CBS Morning News
Video: Reduce the Rancor 2024

Bridging Divides: The Braver Angels answer to political polarization

March 5, 2024

Owatonna People's Press

By Roger Warehime

When I tell people about my work with Braver Angels, an organization working to bridge the political divide, I often get a raised eyebrow or a skeptical “Really, how do you plan to do that?” Given our ever-widening political rifts, their doubt is not surprising.

In this divided landscape, it’s key to understand two types of polarization. First, there’s attitudinal polarization – where we differ in our political views, values, and priorities. This kind is actually good; it helps us make better, well-rounded decisions. The second type, affective polarization, is the troublesome one. This isn’t about disagreeing on policies; it’s about disliking, even hating, those who aren’t in our in-group. It’s natural to feel a kinship with like-minded people, but the trouble starts when we can’t stand the other side, questioning their motives and even, in the worst cases, denying their humanity...more